Everything is different this year. I crewed for Suzanne Hayes last year and did a horrible job. I requested a second attempt to redeem myself and Suz said OK. This year, however, instead of just me, myelf and I crewing for her, she would have some people coming down from Oregon as well. By the time Suz was ready to leave Montana she had more people to help her than she had ever dreamed of.
This year I came up from LA with Becky Hackworth and Donna O'Gara (and Becky's daughter, Heather). I wasn't driving for a change! We went to Auburn and met up with the other "Roving Reporters" at Natalie's B & B. When Lynne Glazer said there were still some rooms available at her motel I said I'm getting one! It was far more comfortable than the cot I had brought.
Friday we headed up the hill to Robie Park. We parked with the venders and set out in different directions. The reporters to report and me to find Suzanne. I went to where she was last year and there was great big Kooter looking as sturdy as a tree, and Suz with that big beautiful smile. Even Suz's mom, Ann, who swore she'd never come agin, was there. After hugs and how-are-ya's we started talking Tevis.
We decided I may not be necessary. When all the crew arrives we'll decide if I need to be there or if I can hang out with these "Roving Reporters" and pitch a hand there.
In the meantime, what I'm seeing are a whole bunch of people with their game faces on and their horses in the fittest condition of their lives. Big, little, all makes, all models ready to go. Only time will tell who will ride with brains and finish, and who will race and not finish.